But why today? Eid could have taken place any time from Tuesday July 5 and Thursday July 7 so the end of Ramadan being declared on July 6 might at first seem a mystery.

This date actually varies every year depending on the new moon in the sky, known as the Shawwal moon because it signifies the start of the month of Shawwal.

This might seem fairly predictable, until you factor in that for Eid to be declared, the new moon must be seen with the naked eye.

And that is exactly why today, July 6 has been declared the start of Eid, rather than Tuesday July 5 when the new moon was expected.

The new crescent moon was not spotted on the evening of July 4 – but it was seen in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Yemen, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Qatar, Turkey, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and the UK on July 5 (making Eid July 6)

However, in most of India, Iraq, Morocco and Bangladesh Eid will be celebrated on July 7 as the crescent was not sighted. And in Pakistan, Eid is not expected to start until Saturday July 9.

What is Eid ul Fitr?

Muslim men break fast with Iftar at the East London Mosque on the last day of Ramadan on August 7, 2013 (Picture: Getty Images)

Eid is the most important days in the Muslim calendar, a day when people thank Allah for the willpower and strength given to them during Ramadan. The day is special because it is when Muslims gather to celebrate the ‘happiness’ one feels after completing an important task.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, marking the holy month when Allah gave the Koran to the Prophent Muhammed, and Muslims across the world fast between sunrise and sunset to learn about discipline and self-restraint.

How will Eid ul Fitr be celebrated?

An Iranian Muslim woman performs the Eid al-Fitr prayers in western Tehran on July 18, 2015 (Picture: Getty Images)

Usually on the first morning of Eid, Muslims will gather in their finest clothes at local mosques for Salat al-Eid prayers and their first daytime breakfast since the start of Ramadan.

There are many festivals and events being held across the UK for Muslims to celebrate and attend. These will include arabic arts and crafts, games, food and parades.

Eid events around the UK

Eid in the Park, Birmingham

Pakistani devotees pray before breaking their fast with Iftar in Karachi (Picture:Getty Images)

Eid celebrations will take place at Small Heath Park, Coventry road on WednesdayJuly 6 this year. More than 60,000 are expected to attend, making it one of the biggest events in the UK and even Europe.

There will be a funfair, bungee run, food and drink stalls, arts and craft stalls, a bouncy castle, clay pigeon shooting, mini golf and exotic animals.

Eid Saleh will be performed at 9am and the festival will run until 6pm.

Eid Festival, London

Muslims break their fast with iftar during the holy month of Ramadan at Lootha Mosque, Dubai (Picture: Getty Images)

This year the Eid Festival, organised by the Mayor of London, will be held on Saturday July 9 at Trafalgar Square. There is expected to be a catwalk show, face-painting, henna tattooing, calligraphy and story telling.

Eid Festival, Manchester

Muslim men serve food for Iftar (Picture: Getty)

Eid will be celebrated on Saturday July 9 in Manchester from 11am until July 10 at 5pm at Old Trafford Football stadium. There is expected to be huge funfair, dodgems, stalls, kids activities and food stalls.

Eid Fun Day, Glasgow

Bouncy castles, market stalls, food, children’s games and koran recitations will be on offer at Queens Park recreational ground from 12pm until 7pm on Saturday July 9. Free entry. There is also an Eid Bazaar on July 2 from 2pm and 8pm for Eid shopping.